So Much To See and Do Near Honolulu

Whether you’re on your own or with your family, traveling to Honolulu, Hawaii will be an unforgettable vacation. This oceanside paradise offers beautiful beaches and plenty of fun for everyone. Here’s a brief guide to making your Honolulu trip incredible.

Visit Amazing Animals

If you’re an animal lover, you’re going to have a great time in Honolulu. The Waikiki Aquarium houses monk seals and other exotic creatures from throughout the South Pacific. If you’d prefer to visit land animals, the Honolulu Zoo has rare and interesting critters like African bongos, orangutans, and sun bears.

To get up close and personal with Hawaii’s native fauna, visit Hanauma Bay State Park. You can literally swim with dolphins and sea turtles or snorkel among magnificent coral reefs.

Go on an Adventure

The Honolulu area is full of adventures that are just waiting to be had. For example, you can drive up to the Nu’uanuPali Lookout for breathtaking views of this scenic area. Plus, visiting this spot will help you connect to Hawaiian history. King Kamehameha I fought the Battle of Nu’uanu here way back in 1795.

Even if scenic drives aren’t your thing, you’re sure to find an adventure that suits you in Honolulu. You can catch a concert at the Blaisdell Center, give remembrance to history at Pearl Harbor, or watch a college football game at Les Murakami Stadium (go Rainbow Warriors!).

Explore Area Shops

If you love to shop, the Honolulu area has you covered! At the Ala Moana Center, you can visit popular stores, feed koi fish and catch a hula performance.

To explore local produce and products, be sure to visit the Waikiki Farmers Market on Tuesdays or Thursdays. You’ll find fresh-cut fruit, an assortment of vegetable, fresh-squeezed sugar cane juice, macadamia nuts and fried donuts. In addition to edible foods, the farmers market has soaps, lotions and other locally made goods.

A Destination Hotel

You can continue your shopping at over the Pualeilani Atrium Shops, which are located at one of the most popular resort hotels in Honolulu. The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa features wonderful boutiques, specialty shops, and restaurants. In addition to more than 60 shops, this popular destination also features an award-winning spa and interactive traditional cultural activities. This beachfront hotel is a great tourist destination in its own right.

Enjoy Local Cuisine

While in Honolulu, make it your goal to try some authentic Hawaiian cuisine. For a high-end meal, try red snapper or kalua pig at Alan Wong’s Honolulu. Ono Seafood serves delicious poke and boiled peanuts. Mitsu-Ken has bento boxes that you can pick up for an on-the-go lunch.

If you want a delicious cocktail, you must hit up Bar Leather Apron. You may have to wait for a seat, but it will pay off when you take your first sip of an E Ho’o Pau Mai Tai.

Don’t forget to try a classic Hawaiian snack while you’re visiting! In the middle of the afternoon, Waiola Shave Ice will be the perfect refreshing treat.

For many people, a trip to Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Whether you’re making your first trip to Honolulu or are a returning visitor, make the most of your time there with fun activities, delicious food, and beachfront hotels.